Village hires first manager

Sunday

Mar 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM

Jef Rietsma

Municipal officials made history this week when they hired Colon’s first village manager. Michael “Mitch” Mitchell was offered the full-time position during the village council’s regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday. A Niles native, Mitchell has government experience in five Michigan communities and most recently worked as a real estate agent in Hillsdale County. The 47-year-old Mitchell said he was familiar with Colon’s reputation as the Magic Capital of the World, but knew little else about the 1,200-resident community. He started work Wednesday, a hit-the-ground-running situation that village president Diane Downs said appealed to the interview committee. “Mitch’s immediate availability and his experience in municipal government were two big factors that ultimately led to his hiring over the other finalist,” Downs said. “We were very fortunate to have top-notch (finalists) and both candidates had a lot to offer.” Mitchell has worked previously in Roscommon, Leslie, Jonesville, Hillsdale and New Buffalo. In all, he said he has 17 years of municipal experience. The precedent-setting fact that Mitchell is Colon’s first village manager is not lost on him. “I recognize this is a big step for Colon, it is a big step forward,” he said. “I’m honored to be the first person to fill this position and I intend to do the best job I possibly can.” Mitchell has a few loose ends to tie up in Hillsdale County before he makes Colon his home, Downs said. Meanwhile, Downs and office manager Tammy Fredenberg will continue to offer their assistance to Mitchell in coming weeks until he is firmly entrenched in the position. “Between the three of us, we’ll get Mitch up to speed and any questions or issues we encounter, I think we’ll be able to bounce things off each other and get the work done that needs to be done,” Downs said. “Tammy came back to us in the fall after a 10-year hiatus to raise kids, and she has an incredible memory for how things are supposed to be done, so we’re lucky in that aspect, too.” Downs, who joined the council in December, said she underestimated the demands of the job and looks forward to catching her breath when Mitchell finds his footing. Mitchell’s salary is $50,000 annually and he is bound to a one-year contract. He will also have a village-issued cell phone and computer, as well as an office space inside village hall. Downs said Mitchell will be subject to a job review in six months and, pending the results of the review, he will be given a $5,000 raise. The posted salary was $45,000 to $60,000. The position drew 14 applicants. Colon joins Mendon and Constantine as the only St. Joseph County communities to have a village manager. Sturgis and Three Rivers have their own city managers.